Emily Ota | Writer
December 5, 2024
As the end of 2024 creeps near, more and more sophomores are turning sixteen. With this new age comes an exciting change in life: the ability to drive. When deciding which car to start their driving adventure with, teenagers usually choose between a funky vintage vehicle or a safe, newer model. But the question lingers: which kind of car is better for a new driver?
Teenagers are commonly attracted to an older car’s rustic look and cool vibe, such as a Ford F-250 or Bronco. Mika Baker, a San Clemente High School senior, is one of these teens. Baker bought an orange 1979 Volkswagen Bay Window Bus for $7,500 and sweetly named it Moxy. Since she was 14 years old she knew she needed Moxy as her first car, and started babysitting and saving money to make her dream come true. However, when she bought it, the bus suffered some issues due to its old age. Although it has some problems, Baker explained that she does “not regret buying it” because of all of its quirks and memories she makes “driving down to the beach and down PCH.” To Baker, it isn’t just a car, it “is [her] little safe haven on wheels.”
Another option for new drivers is a more modern car, such as a Toyota Corolla or a Honda Civic. Parents usually prefer their children to go for a car like this because of the helpful features and improved safety measures. Backup cameras, sensors, and airbags are just a few of the attractive additions to newer cars. Junior Graci Aska got her license in September and is now driving a 2014 two-door Jeep Willey. It definitely cost more than Baker’s bus, with Aska buying it for $19,000. However, Aska expresses that she feels safe in her Jeep and it is simple for a new driver like her to operate. She especially likes how it is “small and compact” and appreciates the new features to make her driving experience as easy as possible. Aska loves her Jeep and would never trade it for an old car, even if it is “cooler.”
Overall, while some teenagers are smitten with vintage cars, the better choice for a new driver is definitely a modern vehicle. Since problems with old cars are imminent, a teen driver cannot go wrong with purchasing a reliable car. Even though newer models are more of a financial commitment than a rickety aging car, the money is well spent on enhanced safety and comfort that will last them multiple years.
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